Boringdon Park Golf Club

Just outside Plymouth, this 18-hole course sits on proper rolling grounds that demand respect from your swing. Boringdon Park Golf Club isn't trying to be anything it isn't - it's a straightforward members' club with a decent challenge for golfers of varying abilities. The layout rewards accuracy more than distance, which means weekend hackers won't feel completely humiliated. Expect mature trees lining fairways and a few water hazards that catch the careless. The clubhouse is functional rather than fancy, serving decent food and the sort of ale that makes a good round taste better.

Golfers will get the most from this one. It's not a destination course that warrants a pilgrimage from London, but if you're staying nearby - say, at Hidden Hill Devon's glamping setup six or so miles away - it's worth ringing ahead to see if you can get a guest round. The course works best in spring and autumn when the ground's firm enough that you can actually walk it without sinking. A full 18 holes will take about four and a half hours with a decent pace of play.

For a Plymouth-based holiday, this fits neatly into a morning or afternoon without eating your whole day. Bring your own clubs or book ahead to rent - don't assume they'll have spares. Check their membership requirements before arriving; guest play isn't guaranteed and depends on whether a member can sponsor you.